This little book, The Loveliness of Christ, Â is a collection of quotes from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford, the great Scottish preacher (1600-1661). I have a small hardback copy that a dear friend gave me, and my father and mother-in-law reprinted it as a booklet some years back. It is especially helpful to those who need comfort and strength (I think that is all of us), and I give you a few samples here.
“I find it most true, that the greatest temptation out of hell, is to live without temptations; if my waters should stand, they would rot. Faith is the better of the free air, and of the sharp winter storm in its face. Grace withereth without adversity. The devil is but God’s master fencer, to teach us to handle our weapons.”
“Ye will not get leave to steal quietly to heaven, in Christ’s company, without a conflict and a cross.”
“How sweet a thing were it for us to learn to make our burdens light by framing our hearts to the burden, and making our Lord’s will a law.”
“I see grace groweth best in winter.”
“Neither need we fear crosses, or sigh, or be sad for anything that is on this side of heaven, if we have Christ.”
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I love the Puritans! And I especially love these nuggets of gold — thank you for a timely reminder.
Nancy, thank you for reminding me of this lovely little booklet, it is a treasure trove and a true source of comfort and inspiration. I used to keep copies on hand to share with friends. Are they still being reprinted? I need to replenish my supply.
The quote, “You will not get leave to steal quietly to heaven, in Christ’s company, without a conflict and a cross” was like an ointment to me. It seems the more I walk with Christ, the more I am knowing this to be true. If only the path to heaven wasn’t frought with rough terrain along the way. It is making Christ’s words, “Take My yoke…For My yoke is easy, and My load is light” so much more meaningful as also these words, “He makes my feet like hinds’ feet.” I am definitely on the hunt for this little book. It seems it would make a wonderful addition to my little collection of must have books! Thanks for your continual guindance in the things of God.
You can order a copy of The Loveliness of Christ at skycowbooks.com
It is a mere $3.50, so I suggest you get a stack of them.
Off topic: Mrs. Wilson, have you written anything on gossip that you could share with us? I used to think I did fairly well in handling gossip, but lately I find myself in a minefield. What are some practical tips for not letting yourself hear things you shouldn’t hear? Where’s the line between constructive sharing and gossip? When you know you’ve crossed that line, how should you repent…should you always confess it to the person you gossiped about? I’ve learned that there are some people I just can’t spend a lot of time with, as they are sympathetic listeners who leave the door too wide open to too much sharing, and others I can’t spend too much time with as they let too much slip. Of course it’s not just them…my mouth and ears are just as guilty…but I find myself stumbling more with them than with others. What about when people drop hints…”I saw such-and-such a situation” or “I happen to know that two ladies aren’t getting along”? It’s a snare, because it gets my mind churning to guess who was the subject of the comments. Anyway…that’s a lot of words to ask for help in using fewer!
Oh…and one more piece: Pastor Wilson has talked about the difference between gossiping and reporting, i.e., to someone in authority. Where’s the line between those? Is everything fair game for reporting to someone in authority, or are there some confidences that should be kept?
Thanks in advance for any principles you can share!